SJ Prep Product Steve Vasturia Had An Impressive NCAA Tourney Run With Notre Dame
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Steve Vasturia played his high school basketball at St. Joseph's Prep. Today, he is part of a Notre Dame team which put together an impressive run in the NCAA Tournament.
Vasturia and the Fighting Irish advanced to the Elite Eight and nearly pulled off an upset of unbeaten Kentucky. The Medford, New Jersey native was a key contributor. Vasturia made the most of his sophomore season as he started every game for the Fighting Irish. The only thing missing from his impressive season was a win over Kentucky.
"I think it was a great basketball game," said Vasturia. "We've been in a lot of tight games this year and have won a lot of close games. We were really confident. We made big plays on both ends of the floor as did they. We had a great chance to win that game."
Vasturia did his part to help Notre Dame throughout the season. He averaged over ten points per game and reach double figures in three of Notre Dame's four NCAA Tournament games. Vasturia has cemented himself as one of the top players for the Fighting Irish.
"We came into this season with high expectations," Vasturia said. "I just wanted to help this team win games and get back to that level that we knew we were capable of. I think we did that."
Before Vasturia arrive in South Bend, he made his mark with the Hawks at St. Joseph's Prep. Vasturia set the school record for points with 1,766, and his number 32 has been retired by the school. Vasturia credits his time at St. Joseph's Prep for helping him develop as a player.
"I think it was huge," said Vasturia. "It was a great experience for me. I made some great friends and teammates there. I loved every second of it."
Vasturia also honed his skills in South Jersey. He played for the Jersey Shore Warriors in the AAU and made valuable connections to his future college home.
"The AAU was different than high school," Vasturia said. "I think it really helped me get exposure. I was lucky enough to play for a great program. A lot of guys before me had gone from Jersey Shore to Notre Dame. To have a connection to those guys was really awesome."
Vasturia admitted to having mixed emotions when it comes to watching the Final Four. However, the Delaware Valley native is excited about the future at Notre Dame. He is also enjoying every moment he spends in South Bend.
"It's awesome," said Vasturia. "Outside basketball, it's a great experience all-around going to football games every weekend and just walking around this beautiful campus. Having the opportunity to get the education that Notre Dame offers is really special."